When Homewood (Ala.) High School began practice this spring, four-star offensive lineman Jordan Sims decided to take a break from the recruiting process. He wanted to concentrate on his team as well as losing weight and getting back in shape.

Sims, the No. 8 player in the state, took his first visit in nearly three months on Wednesday when he made the short trip over to Auburn University.

“It was a good visit,” he said. “I went more in-depth with the campus because when I originally went for a junior day, there was about 500 kids and it was kind of hard to spend some one-on-one time with the coaches and view the campus.

“This time it was a lot more personal. I enjoyed it -- just getting to know the coaches better, viewing the campus and just seeing things that I’ve never seen.”

The new coaching staff has quickly made the state of Alabama a priority for this class and beyond. The Tigers have already landed six in-state commitments for 2014, including two ranked in the ESPN 150. They made sure to include that in their pitch to Sims.

“They told me that I’m the lineman that they want,” he said. “They go for in-state linemen, and they were just saying how much I fit in, that I’m not just a good football player, but I’m a great person. I would just fit in with the program.”

After the visit, Sims still has the same three schools at the top -- Alabama, Auburn and Ole Miss. However, it’s Alabama that hasn’t been in as much contact with him recently, and he has canceled his trip to Tuscaloosa this weekend for the Tide’s OL/DL camp.

“It’s just been awhile since I met with Coach [Mario] Cristobal and since I’ve spoken to them,” Sims said. “I’ve recently been to Auburn, and Auburn and Ole Miss see the same thing in me. But I plan to call Coach Cristobal soon.”

As for not attending the camp, it’s more about getting in shape than anything, Sims said. He could return to Tuscaloosa for the Tide’s camp in July.

“At the Rivals camp I kind of struggled with my weight, so ever since then I’ve had a plan and I’ve been working it down,” he said. “I want to be in the best shape possible if I ever do wind up going to camp there. I know they have another one in July.”

Sims already has lost 20 pounds since the Rivals camp in April. He also plans to visit Ole Miss shortly after the Alabama camp in July.